Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers along with the Nebraska Beef Council have announced the Peppermill and E.K. Valentine Lounge in Valentine as the winner of the third annual best burger contest.

The Peppermill was nominated online and chosen a panel of judges.

The contest took more than 2,100 nominations of 293 different restaurants through March.

The Peppermill’s Joseph Angus Burger received enough nominations to reach the top five and was ultimately awarded the best burger by a panel of judges who conducted an anonymous taste test.

The Joseph Angus Burger is a 10-ounce beef hamburger with jalapeno bacon, cob-smoked ham, barbeque sauce, house ranch dressing, Swiss and cheddar cheeses and is topped with two crispy homemade onion rings.

“We are pleased to present this year’s Best Burger Award to the Peppermill” said Adam Wegner, Director of Marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “Being located in the nation’s largest beef cow county, it’s fitting that they would serve an award winning burger.”

The Peppermill opened in 1987 by William R. Joseph in the historic Fort Niobrara Hotel in downtown Valentine.

A large outdoor garden and banquet hall were added as well as several interior updates throughout the next eight years.

In 1995, William's son Roger bought the business and developed the concept from cafe to steakhouse and event facility.

In 2007 the Peppermill in downtown Valentine closed and Roger's son, Robert re-opened the Peppermill and E.K. Valentine Lounge on Nebraska Highway 20 in Valentine.

The runner-up in the contest was Dinker’s Bar in Omaha, with Greta’s Gourmet in Lincoln, Tommy Colina’s Kitchen in Omaha and the Union Bar in Gering rounding out the top five.

A complete list of nominated restaurants is available on www.nebeef.org.

The Peppermill will receive a first place plaque and be featured by the Beef Council as part of Nebraska Beef Month.